Illegal hunting tourism in Val d'Aran: paying thousands of euros to kill chamois

Val d'Aran, one of the most emblematic high mountain valleys of the Pyrenees, has been tainted by information about alleged illegal hunting tourism. According to investigations, some visitors would be paying thousands of euros to kill chamois outside current regulations.

Chamois —also known as sarrios— are agile bovids specialized in rocky terrain. Their hunting is regulated through quotas and permits, precisely to avoid overexploitation of populations and ensure that the activity is compatible with conservation.

The practices described include organized outings without proper permits, shots in sensitive areas or outside authorized periods and use of intermediaries acting outside administrations. In addition to direct harm to animals, these activities damage the valley's image and create tension with those who bet on respectful tourism.

Authorities and mountain surveillance bodies have increased controls, both on trails and shelters and at usual access points. Work is also being done to improve cooperation between administrations and to toughen sanctions for those who organize or participate in this type of clandestine hunts.

Beyond the legal, the case opens a fundamental debate: what tourism model do we want in high mountain spaces? While part of the territory bets on wildlife observation, hiking and environmental education, illegal hunting tourism goes in exactly the opposite direction.

At AtlasFauna we will follow these cases closely, with the aim of explaining their ecological and social consequences and giving visibility to alternatives that put respect for wildlife and landscape at the center.